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radioThese are reader comments for the article 'Why Do Christian Ministers Fail?'
Reader Comments
Posted by John Irwin in Gold Coast Aust @ 11:41 on Aug 21 2008
My wife came home very upset about this event so much so that I had to look it up on line. I had seen Michaels video on you tube and what an amazing story he told, and was also taken back by this story. The Lord knows the frailty of man that is why he died for each one of us. and it is in Him that we put our trust, and He is able to forgive us of our sins. We are but men and he has placed His light in us as belivers in Him. What have we done lately to reach the lost? This could be one way to reach out to others in love and forgiveness and also pray for our leaders. Your message Mal realy touched me and took my eyes off of Michaels situation and placed them back on to my responsibility to pray for him his family and church. Let us not judge as Jesus said let him who has not sinned cast the first stone.
My wife came home very upset about this event so much so that I had to look it up on line. I had seen Michaels video on you tube and what an amazing story he told, and was also taken back by this story. The Lord knows the frailty of man that is why he died for each one of us. and it is in Him that we put our trust, and He is able to forgive us of our sins. We are but men and he has placed His light in us as belivers in Him. What have we done lately to reach the lost? This could be one way to reach out to others in love and forgiveness and also pray for our leaders. Your message Mal realy touched me and took my eyes off of Michaels situation and placed them back on to my responsibility to pray for him his family and church. Let us not judge as Jesus said let him who has not sinned cast the first stone.
Posted by Graeme Lauridsen in New Zealand @ 10:36 on Aug 21 2008
Thanks Mal. Your thoughtful comments are a tremendous help. Thank God our Redeemer lives.
Thanks Mal. Your thoughtful comments are a tremendous help. Thank God our Redeemer lives.
Posted by kate in melbourne @ 09:52 on Aug 21 2008
In my humble opinion, perhaps this news will not so much affect the church and its believers. Christians, I'd like to believe, are a forgiving lot and we ourselves know, that we should never ever depend on someone or put too much high hopes in anything other than God.
I think it stops there though. What happens when this news gets to non-believers? They are the ones whom need salvation and need a good perception of the Christian faith. Here is the part I am confused about what to do? It's not how we react to this situation, it is more about what we say to our non-Christian friends when they come knocking for answers? How can we explain to them the magnitude of what has happened has nothing to do with our faith?
In my humble opinion, perhaps this news will not so much affect the church and its believers. Christians, I'd like to believe, are a forgiving lot and we ourselves know, that we should never ever depend on someone or put too much high hopes in anything other than God.
I think it stops there though. What happens when this news gets to non-believers? They are the ones whom need salvation and need a good perception of the Christian faith. Here is the part I am confused about what to do? It's not how we react to this situation, it is more about what we say to our non-Christian friends when they come knocking for answers? How can we explain to them the magnitude of what has happened has nothing to do with our faith?
Reply by Suzy Q in Brisbane @ 15:23 on Aug 22 2008
Hi Kate
In response to your great question " What happens when this news gets to non-believers? They are the ones whom need salvation and need a good perception of the Christian faith. Here is the part I am confused about what to do? It's not how we react to this situation, it is more about what we say to our non-Christian friends when they come knocking for answers? How can we explain to them the magnitude of what has happened has nothing to do with our faith?" My thoughts in reply would be 1st) Be honest about how YOU feel about being betrayed 2nd) Have an open discussion with them about some of the things that can make human beings vulnerable. For example, what are our basic human needs (like acceptance, security, unconditional love etc). Then discuss some of the known ways people try to meet these needs- are there healthy ways? destructive ways? Which ways lead to life and happiness? which ways lead to pain, loneliness etc etc. (Hope this is all making sense to you?) Finally, discuss from your own testimony, the difference that Jesus makes in meeting your real human needs.
This is the most amazing opportunity to witness we may all have in a while!! I hope you can 'see' with spiritual eyes what I am saying.
This comes from going through the most devastating experience of my Christian life about 12 months ago. So I have wrestled with this issue of abuse and betrayal from the Shepherd of our large flock.
LOve to you and others who are hurting. There is gold in this opportunity to share Jesus with others. Hope you will discern it :o)
Hi Kate
In response to your great question " What happens when this news gets to non-believers? They are the ones whom need salvation and need a good perception of the Christian faith. Here is the part I am confused about what to do? It's not how we react to this situation, it is more about what we say to our non-Christian friends when they come knocking for answers? How can we explain to them the magnitude of what has happened has nothing to do with our faith?" My thoughts in reply would be 1st) Be honest about how YOU feel about being betrayed 2nd) Have an open discussion with them about some of the things that can make human beings vulnerable. For example, what are our basic human needs (like acceptance, security, unconditional love etc). Then discuss some of the known ways people try to meet these needs- are there healthy ways? destructive ways? Which ways lead to life and happiness? which ways lead to pain, loneliness etc etc. (Hope this is all making sense to you?) Finally, discuss from your own testimony, the difference that Jesus makes in meeting your real human needs.
This is the most amazing opportunity to witness we may all have in a while!! I hope you can 'see' with spiritual eyes what I am saying.
This comes from going through the most devastating experience of my Christian life about 12 months ago. So I have wrestled with this issue of abuse and betrayal from the Shepherd of our large flock.
LOve to you and others who are hurting. There is gold in this opportunity to share Jesus with others. Hope you will discern it :o)
Posted by Sally in Perth @ 09:51 on Aug 21 2008
I'd like to say thank you too, i found your words really encouraging, and actually inspiring. As well, I think too many people are being way too judgmental over this situation! We've all sinned, and all sin is equal through the eyes of God- wether SOME people like to believe it or not:)- thats reality!
But its just so true that these situations prove the power of God's Grace and that we all fall short of God's Glory- even David- who was the AMAZING Man after God's own heart- did some pretty heavy stuff- but we still see God's abundance of Grace and mercies, which is just totally unreal!
And i just cant wait to see how God turns this situation around.
-Out of Great tragedies come great miricles--- SO TRUE!!
I'd like to say thank you too, i found your words really encouraging, and actually inspiring. As well, I think too many people are being way too judgmental over this situation! We've all sinned, and all sin is equal through the eyes of God- wether SOME people like to believe it or not:)- thats reality!
But its just so true that these situations prove the power of God's Grace and that we all fall short of God's Glory- even David- who was the AMAZING Man after God's own heart- did some pretty heavy stuff- but we still see God's abundance of Grace and mercies, which is just totally unreal!
And i just cant wait to see how God turns this situation around.
-Out of Great tragedies come great miricles--- SO TRUE!!
Posted by Inga Watzdorf in Sydney, Australi @ 08:39 on Aug 21 2008
Thank you Mal for your wisdom, compassion and for pointing out what every Christian and especially Christian leaders can learn from this sad situation!
Thank you Mal for your wisdom, compassion and for pointing out what every Christian and especially Christian leaders can learn from this sad situation!
Posted by johnny brennan in mandurah w.a. @ 08:25 on Aug 21 2008
lets assemble the floc and gather around micheal and his family at this time...not later now...bless you micheal and family
lets assemble the floc and gather around micheal and his family at this time...not later now...bless you micheal and family
Posted by Sasha in adelaide @ 08:08 on Aug 21 2008
Thank you for your wisdom & insight Mal.
This situation is grieving, but as you said, it holds no less importance for healing than a physical ailment does.
God Bless them!
Thank you for your wisdom & insight Mal.
This situation is grieving, but as you said, it holds no less importance for healing than a physical ailment does.
God Bless them!
Posted by gen in adelaide @ 06:57 on Aug 21 2008
i am so sad to hear what has happened. i cannot imagine what the family must be going through and Mike himself. it is sad that so man people are judging him when everyone has skeletons in their own closets. i will be praying for God to show Michael the reality of His grace and bring what has become such a mess to a peaceful end...
i am so sad to hear what has happened. i cannot imagine what the family must be going through and Mike himself. it is sad that so man people are judging him when everyone has skeletons in their own closets. i will be praying for God to show Michael the reality of His grace and bring what has become such a mess to a peaceful end...
The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.
A very sad day indeed for believers world-wide who have been endlessly praying for Mike's healing. I guess the good news is that he isn't dying...the better news is that God's grace CAN and WILL redeem him.
As far as judgement and condemnation goes...let's just remember how Jesus dealt with such things...who remembers that verse; "he who is without sin, cast the first stone." Let's just leave the judging up to God, eh? =)
When I heard the news, I found myself asking why God still does great works through people like this, even though they're living a lie. For example, Mike G has travelled the world and seen hundreds, if not thousands, come to Christ through his preaching...in the same way, Todd Bentley has been the focal point of the latest "outpouring" yet all this has come out about him, too.
I found my answer from God when He made me realise that God is God, and we are all frail, imperfect, and failing human beings. We should keep that in perspective and not put people on such high pedistals.
For those who have come to Christ through Mike's preaching...you have to imagine that this news will be a great test to their faith...did they become Christians because God is so awesome...or did they do it because Mike convinced them to...? Obviously I'm hoping that the majority of them were touched by God's power rather than Mike's enthusiastic preaching style.
At the end of it all...none of us are perfect, and just as we would want to know people are praying for us when we've been embarrassed; let's also pray for Mike, and emotional healing for his family and quick redemption.
I have a brother who has backslidden some years ago, who has ripped into me, for believing in all the Christian hype that he see and hears (he's an avid You Tube junkee) And now to be faced with the Todd Bentley and Mike Guglielmucci incidents, will be challenging to put a positive spin. I enjoyed reading your comments, and right now what we need is to search our hearts and humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God to lift us up.
As the young man, a few comments above said, he owes a lot to the Guglielmucci family, as Pastor Danny was able to lead the young man to faith during his difficult times.
For all of those, reading and posting messages, let us pray for Pastor Danny and send words of encouragement.
Thank you Pastor Danny for being a fatherly figure to many of us young men, who today are serving God all around the country. Thank you for helping us in our time of need, and now is the time for us young men, to lift up your arms in your time of need.
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How did they come to Christ?
Can anyone truly come to Christ through the words of another man without the work of the Holy Spirit? It does not matter as long as they come to Christ.
This is disappointing but accepting responsibility for your actions and if necessary in this case being punished by authorities for fraud is not mutually exclusive from prayer and forgiveness. I'm glad the Church took action against him.
Nice article Mal, the Billy Graham comment about the planes landing is poignant.
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